SD8040

The SD8040 was an attempt at an F3B type airfoil, but the SD8000 along with the HQ2/9, RG15, and. S2048 show better performance. Unfortunately, low Reynolds number airfoil design is still far from a precise science.

Also see: HQ2/9, RG15, S2048

Digitizer plot: Fig. 10.61

Polar plot: Fig. 12.159

Thickness: 9.99% Camber: 2.65%

SPICA

• SPICA-PT (Fig. 12.160)

The SPICA airfoil was designed by Chuck Anderson in 1978 as a flat-bottom, trainer airfoil. He reports that his SPICA sailplane which uses this airfoil has consistently placed high in the standings at thermal-duration contests. This is probably a result of the high lift coefficients produced and the airfoil’s gentle stall characteristics. These two qualities combine to improve the chance of successfully completing tight, low-level turns in small, turbulent thermals. As for wind – penetration, however, the SPICA airfoil has high drag at low lift coefficients, which would make cross-country flying at high speed difficult.